1. The Credit and Qualification Framework for Wales Presentation by Jeff Protheroe – CQFW Project Co-ordinator

2. Aim of Presentation Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Provide an overview of the findings identified within the first year of the CQFW project. and Outline the longer term implications of the CQFW, and suggest areas to be addressed in order that it is successfully implemented.

3. Project Title Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org “Implementation of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) within the Training Provider Network” – A planned approach to the introduction of CQFW

4. Project Aim Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org To identify the impact and requirements of Work-based Learning (WBL) Providers to successfully implement the introduction of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)

5. Project Objectives Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org During Year 1 (Jun 09 – Mar 10) Assess the impact in developing credit frameworks delivery, in relation to all aspects of contract management including, but not limited to, planning, funding, delivery, management information and data collection. During Year 2 (Apr 10 – Jul 11) Develop a model for the delivery, assessment, recording and accreditation of a credit based curriculum in various apprenticeship frameworks delivered by WBL Providers.

6. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales

7. The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (UK VQRP) Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Development of Sector Qualifications Strategies developed by Sector Skills Councils to give employers a greater say in the design and public funding of qualifications. Development of a clear and easy way to understand qualifications which gives greater opportunities to recognise achievement. Rationalisation of existing qualifications so learners and employers can more easily identify the best vocational qualifications for their needs.

8. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) http://www.qcda.gov.uk/qualifications/qcf/4926.aspx

9. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The QCF as Part of the CQFW

10. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The Learning Records Service www.learningrecordsservice.org.uk

11. 11 Learning Provider Undertakes Learning, Receives notifications ULN Requests ULN Service Layer (LSC) Accreditation Layer (QCA/QCDA) Industry Layer AO WBAREFNDAQ Proposed Qualifications (Qual, Units, RoC) WBA LAR Achievement data VALIDATION CAT query (web) UKRLP MIAP Registers for UKPRN Selects learning Daily updates Award request / notification Approved Organisations Organisation accreditation request Reporting Service Compliance Data quality MIAP LR NPDILR QAN/ UAN AOs QCF model for April 09

12. The Learning Records Service Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The Learning Records Service is an IT enabled, data centric set of shared services built on the principle of collect once, use many times and used by all that are entitled to do so and serves the whole of the education sector. It offers three key services to enable data sharing across the education sector:

13. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The Learning Records Service

14. Unique Learner Number - Wales Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org  Over 136,244 learners in Wales have a ULN.  The ULN is the enabler for initiatives in the education sector including the Welsh Baccalaureate, QCF and CQFW.  All FE Colleges in Wales have been getting ULNs for learners since September 2010.  ACL and WBL organisations in Wales are starting to use the service.

15. Unique Learner Number - Wales Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org  A solution is being developed by DCELLS for schools in Wales to obtain ULNs using PLASC data.  DCELLS is exploring the feasibility of importing Welsh learners’ award data into the PLR from schools and LLWR data bins.  Access to the PLR by learners and IAG professionals will be embedded in wider services offered by Careers Wales Online.  The ULN is not currently mandated in Wales but will be asked for in the LLWR return for all WBL providers from September 2011.

16. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The Learning Records Service

17. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org The Learning Records Service

18. Final Progress Report (Year1) Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org

19. Information, Advice and Guidance Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Much has been done by DCELLS and AOs to raise the awareness of CQFW amongst providers; More needs to be done to raise the awareness amongst wider stakeholders (building on the “Building a Base for CQFW in Wales” events); and There is a need for clarity and consistency in the message, particularly surrounding the relationship between the CQFW and QCF.

20. Delivery and Assessment Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Recognition of the potential opportunities that exist with a raised profile of RPL and the “QALL Pillar”; An opportunity missed with Essential Skills Wales not being placed onto the QCF; and Concerns around A1/V1 no longer being a “requirement” to deliver QCF qualifications.

21. Quality Assurance Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Key message is “business as normal”; Neither DCELLS (QEF) nor Estyn have plans to change their current methodology for measuring learner outcomes; and The introduction of the ULN will allow for a more efficient way of tracking learners, across programmes, Centres and AOs.

22. MIS and Finance Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Recognition of the benefits available with the introduction of the Learner Records Service (MIAP) i.e. the Personal Learning Record and Routes to Achievement functionality; Potential efficiency savings, through the introduction of one common identifier (ULN); and Concerns raised over future funding.

23. Marketing and Employer Engagement Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org On the whole, Employers are receptive about the concepts of CQFW and can see the benefits to their organisation and employees; Care must be taken when marketing the “flexibilities” offered by credit based qualifications; and A raft of information relating to the QCF is available across the border, but nothing relating to the CQFW in Wales – until now

24. Management and Leadership Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Concern raised over the level of engagement by SSCs/SSBs with providers in Wales, in order to identify the Welsh “uniqueness”

25. Key Recommendations to DCELLS Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Outline what future the PTLLS qualification holds within publically funded work-based learning; Consider placing the full suite of ESW onto the QCF; Consider mandating the ULN for all post-14 provision; Investigate ways to integrate the vast array of MIS across the education and training sector, to release efficiencies and reduce bureaucracy; and Manage stakeholders expectations of “flexibility” from the outset.

26. Key Recommendations to Providers Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Ensure your organisation is registered with the Learner Records Service as a Learner Registration Body, and trial processes which see you obtaining the ULN and Personal Learning Record at the right stage in the “learner’s journey”; Liaise with your relevant sector skills councils and awarding organisations, to identify how the qualifications and frameworks which are delivered within your provision, will look post-QCF and begin to re-model delivery prior to the transition to QCF;

27. Key Recommendations to Providers Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Identify the opportunities that exist for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and for the accreditation of employer’s “in- house” training, in order to maximise the opportunities for learners, employers and your organisation; Liaise with awarding organisations, to establish the requirements of internal and external verification of units/qualifications post-QCF; Begin to identify within your Self Assessment Report how you currently maximise the use of “credit” across your provision;

28. Key Recommendations to Providers Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Ensure LLWR administration documents are capable of recording the ULN, and systems are in place to generate the ULN and/or access the Personal Learning Record; Use the current arrangements for funding framework delivery, in order to re-model delivery methodology across your provision post-QCF; Engage with employers, to raise their awareness of credit based qualifications and map new and/or imminent QCF qualifications to their requirements.

29. Key Recommendations to Providers Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Agenda CQFW and QCF into all internal meetings to raise concerns, identify training needs and prepare your organisation for their introduction; and Raise the issue of credit based qualifications with all your sub-contracted and “partner delivery” in order that they are fully aware of their introduction.

30. CQFW Project – Year Two Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Model best practice in the delivery of identified Apprenticeship Frameworks; Continue to develop close working relationships with external stakeholders (DCELLS, SSC Alliance etc), to raise the issues specific to WBL Providers; Set up a Learner Records Service (MIAP) Task and Finish Group, with the remit of modeling best practice in obtaining ULNs and using the PLR; Set up an RPL Task and Finish Group, with the remit of modeling best practice in the use of RPL (working closely with DCELLS’s emerging project);

31. CQFW Project – Year Two Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Pilot the use of “QALL” (internally and externally), with a view to developing a best practice guide for WBL Providers; and Provide direct support for members, through advice and guidance, as they make the transition towards complete implementation of the CQFW.

32. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org Questions?

33. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Waleswww.ntfw.org jeff.protheroe@ntfw.org 029 2061 8228 07980 545111